Montana is the best place to spend a summer, and there’s nothing quite like a hot day spent out on the water. With lakes, rivers, streams and ponds in abundance throughout the state, the options for recreation are endless.
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Whether you’re leisurely floating on a mountain lake or paddling your way through raging rapids, Montana waters were made for kayaking. If you’re looking for a thrill, the ripping currents of the Kootenai River near Libby are sure to get your blood pumping. If you’d prefer a leisurely paddle, flat water kayaking is a popular pastime at Holter Lake, just 45 minutes north of Helena.
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There are so many great rivers to set out on with your canoe, but one of the best is the Yellowstone, the longest undammed river in the lower 48. The section of the river near Billings is slow and wide, perfect for a relaxing float, but there are plenty of places to drop in along the river. If you’re looking for a multi-day excursion, paddling the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument allows you to see this historic river from a whole new perspective, while camping and fishing along the way.
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Cruising — for fun or for sport — might have you looking for a great place to get out on a speedboat, pontoon boat or fishing boat. Fort Peck Lake is the largest lake in Montana (by surface area), making it a great spot for any boating expedition. And with some of the best fishing in the state, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed your tackle box.
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With the numerous rivers flowing throughout the state, it’s safe to say a river float is one of our favorite pastimes. Grab your cooler, a portable speaker and some tubes to enjoy a day floating downstream. This is particularly popular on the Clark Fork River near Missoula, with plenty of shuttles and tube rentals to get you out on the water in no time. The Clark Fork is also a great place to catch a wave! Believe it or not, river surfing is growing in popularity out west. Whether you’re watching the surfers, or hanging ten yourself, Brennan’s Wave in the heart of downtown Missoula is the place to be during the summer.
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If an adrenaline rush is more your speed, a whitewater rafting adventure could be right up your alley. It’s safest to access river rapids with a guide, and Flathead Rafting Company is a tribally owned business specializing in trips down the Flathead River’s roaring Buffalo Rapids.
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Montana’s mountain lakes offer prime conditions for sailboats, allowing mariners to hoist their sails on some of the most picturesque waters in the country. For those landlocked seafarers, Canyon Ferry Reservoir near Helena offers 25 miles to explore. This reservoir is open year-round, allowing experienced sailors to ice sail when the water freezes over.
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Combine surfing and sailing, and you’ve got windsurfing. Just 40 minutes south of Billings, Cooney State Park near Red Lodge is a prime location to get some airtime.
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Whether you’re exploring Montana’s abundant waterways by boat, by tube or admiring from the shore, the fish are always biting. From guided excursions to fishing lodge stays to visiting a fishing access site solo, you have options for fishing in Montana. No matter where you’re dropping your line, anglers 12 and older require valid fishing and conservation licenses.
When operating any type of watercraft — including boats, canoes and kayaks — it’s important to take proper care of your equipment to protect Montana’s waterways. Vessels that have not been properly prepped can introduce aquatic invasive species into the water and contaminate the ecosystem. To prevent such contamination, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks conducts watercraft inspections at inspection stations across the state. These inspections are required, and in order to pass one, here’s what you need to know:
Thoroughly clean off your watercraft after each use in order to remove mud, water and vegetation. Hot water is ideal here, as the heat will kill any lingering organisms. Car washes are great for this!
Let water drain from the watercraft completely. Organisms and bacteria thrive in standing water, so let as much drain from the watercraft as possible.
This step is key! The longer you can let your watercraft — and fishing equipment — sit in the sun, the better. The heat will help to dry up any excess water and kill remaining bacteria.
Prepping your watercraft with these steps prior to your inspection will help protect Montana’s rivers and lakes from invasive organisms — and get you on the water as soon as possible.
If traveling from out of state with watercraft, you must obtain a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass prior to launching. To obtain the proper recreation credentials, and find more waterways to explore, check out fwp.mt.gov.
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